KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid rising tensions and escalating violence in parts of the St Andrew South Police Division, a state of emergency (SOE) has been declared. The announcement, made on Thursday, aims to address the surge in criminal activity in areas such as Waltham Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Waterhouse. While some welcome the measure, Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Western, Dr. Angela Brown Burke, has expressed a cautious stance, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
Dr. Brown Burke, addressing the issue in an interview, conveyed her reservations about the reliance on SOEs as a tool to combat crime. “I don’t see the state of emergency as a comprehensive crime-fighting strategy,” she stated. “It’s a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. However, I must rely on the expertise of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to address the immediate concerns.”
While the MP acknowledged the immediate sense of relief that the SOE might provide for some residents, she underscored the importance of implementing lasting strategies to tackle the root causes of crime. “The temporary powers granted during an SOE must serve as a stepping stone toward sustainable solutions,” she emphasized.
Community Responses: A Divided Reaction
Dr. Brown Burke noted the mixed reactions among communities within her constituency. In areas like Whitfield Town, Payneland, and Cockburn Pen, the declaration of the SOE has been largely welcomed. “Residents have been grappling with frequent and devastating incidents of violence. For them, this intervention is a glimmer of hope and a chance to sleep more peacefully,” she explained.
However, in Greenwich Town, the response has been more skeptical. Business owners and residents there recently engaged with local law enforcement, advocating for eased restrictions on operating hours due to a relatively lower crime rate in their area. “For them, the SOE feels like a step backward when they were expecting greater flexibility and support for their livelihoods,” Dr. Brown Burke noted.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
Despite the immediate benefits an SOE might bring, Dr. Brown Burke reiterated the critical need for deeper interventions. “While this measure may provide temporary relief, it cannot be the final answer. Jamaica needs to address the underlying social issues that fuel crime. Poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities are wounds that require more than a band-aid solution,” she urged.
As the SOE unfolds, the MP hopes for a collaborative effort between the government, security forces, and communities to foster not only safety but also trust and sustainable growth. “Our ultimate goal should be ensuring that every Jamaican feels safe—at home, at school, and on the streets. But we must also pave the way for a future where such emergency measures are no longer necessary,” she concluded.
